Origins & Early Life

Olympias (Ancient Greek: Ὀλυμπιάς; c. 375–316 BC) was an ancient Greek princess of the Molossians, the eldest daughter of King Neoptolemus I of Epirus, and the sister of Alexander I of Epirus. She was the mother of Alexander the Great by Philip II, king of Macedonia. She was extremely influential in Alexander's life and was recognized as de facto leader of Macedon during his conquests.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After Alexander the Great's death, conflict broke out over who would inherit the empire. Olympias fought on behalf of her grandson Alexander IV; she defeated Adea Eurydice, and Alexander IV was included in the line of succession. However, she was eventually defeated by Cassander and executed, and Alexander IV was assassinated before wielding any power. Olympias was born around 375 BC (no later than 371 BC) probably in Passaron, in modern Epirus, Greece. She was the eldest daughter of Neoptolemus I, king of the Molossians, an ancient Greek tribe of Epirus.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She had a brother, Alexander I of Epirus, and a sister, Troas, who married their paternal uncle Arrybas of Epirus. Although unknown, some scholars have theorized that Olympias' mother may have been a Chaonian princess, based on the rumour...

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